49ers supporter found dead near South Bay Marina

A man found dead near a South Bay marina was identified as a supporter of the 49ers having disappeared from a match at Levi Stadium on November 12th. But the discovery has dispelled some questions about his disappearance.

Ian Powers, 32, was driving from his home in Spokane, Washington, to Los Angeles, and stopped in Antioch to visit relatives last week, police said. The visit included participation in the 49ers game against the New York Giants at the Santa Clara stadium.

Powers disappeared after announcing to his girlfriend that he was going to the bathroom, authorities said. The surveillance video showed him walking on a walkway from the stadium to the parking lot. His car was later found in the parking lot.

On Saturday, duck hunters found a body in shallow waters about a kilometer north of the boat ramp at Alviso Marina. The coroner of Santa Clara County identified him Tuesday as Powers.

The coroner said that Powers had died accidentally from a drowning salt water. The fact that he found himself in Alviso, a region north of San Jose about three kilometers from the stadium, remains a mystery.

Originally from Martinez, Powers had become a fan of local teams, said an uncle, Sean Powers. "He loved sports, especially his Bay Area teams, which means all Bay Area teams," he said.

Ian Powers worked at HotStart, an engine manufacturing facility in Spokane. The president of the company, Tony Judge, said that he "was very friendly, talented, reliable and fun. We will miss him very much.

Sean Powers said he and his nephew had dined at an Italian restaurant in Walnut Creek on November 11th. It was the last time he saw it.

"He told me that he was finally going to university to become a history teacher and perhaps a football coach," Sean Powers said.

He said his nephew always took the time to visit his family and attend games. Last year, he went to the Bay Area so that they could attend two professional football games and a university competition.

"He had a positive influence on everyone he came into contact with and looked like my little brother," said Sean Powers. "Honestly, if I ever have a girl, I hope she'll marry someone like him."